State News

Sacramento – California’s Department of Industrial Relations, together with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the California Environmental Protection Agency, on July 14 published regulatory amendments intended to bolster safety for the state’s refinery workers and communities.

Washington – The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division has reassumed responsibility for agriculture and general industry responsibilities.

Salem, OR – A hazard communication requirement is the most violated workplace safety rule in Oregon, outpacing the No. 2 standard by more than one-third.

Washington – Federal OSHA on Jan. 22 approved and certified the New Jersey Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health program as a State Plan.

Oklahoma City – The Oklahoma Department of Labor is hosting an “evolution of safety” video contest, asking employers, “What is your company’s safety and health story?”

Portland, OR – Three fatal incidents have spurred the Oregon Occupational Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program to issue new toolbox talk guides.

Salem, OR – Oregon OSHA has announced it will address outdated permissible exposure limits in 2016 through a combination of employer outreach and as many as six new rules.

Lansing, MI – Michigan OSHA is set to launch a new informal settlement process in November.

Lansing, MI – Michigan OSHA has launched a Local Emphasis Program targeting enforcement activities on industries that recently have experienced an increase in injuries and illnesses.

Cheyenne, WY – Even though Wyoming has one of the highest occupational death rates in the country, the state will not yet conduct a study examining how it could better prevent workplace injuries and deaths.